A delay in CD4 cell response after initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy is associated with the presence of anti-cytomegalovirus but not with anti-herpes simplex virus antibodies

After the successful initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in HIV-1-infected patients, the mean CD4 cell response was lower in cytomegalovirus (CMV)-seropositive patients than in CMV-seronegative patients (P < 0.05). The difference between the mean CD4 cell counts of CMV-seronegative and CMV-seropositive patients was maximal (163 x 10(6)/l) at 76 weeks after the start of HAART, and decreased gradually thereafter. No association was found between herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 serostatus and CD4 cell response.